Danville Chamber Launches Women's Initiative for Business Leadership

On December 26, the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce introduced its new Women's Enterprise Initiative, marking a concerted push to strengthen women's leadership in business. Applications for participation in the program are already being taken, with the first session set to begin in February 2024.

The program's goal is to provide important skills to female entrepreneurs and professionals while also connecting them with community leaders and peers. Participants, according to organizers, will become catalysts for economic growth and diversity in the region.

The initiative's training and mentoring components will concentrate on important topics such as financial planning, marketing, and project management. This year, six sessions are scheduled to cater to persons from diverse businesses.

The project, which is open to both men and women, intends to support women entrepreneurs in flourishing industries such as technology, retail, dining, and health and wellness.

Brittany Riley, Chamber Chair-elect, expressed excitement about the initiative's start, underlining the Chamber's commitment to cultivating practical business skills in the community. Over the last two years, the Chamber has seen an increase in the number of female company owners, welcome 126 new members, 93 of whom are female entrepreneurs.

The Three Valleys Community Foundation is a program sponsor, together with Contra Costa County, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Comerica Bank, Lara George Photography, and the Doyle Quane Law Group.

Applications are being accepted for program participation until January 31, with a charge of $150 for chamber members and $300 for non-members. The program is not restricted to Danville residents, but is available to entrepreneurs from all around the valley, including San Ramon, Alamo, Blackhawk, and other unincorporated Contra Costa County regions.